Taoiseach Hints at School Closings After Feb 1, Says ‘Focus’ Is On Special Needs Education

TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has said the government’s focus is on the return of special needs education, suggesting that a broader return of schools is not currently in the works.

The schools have not returned since the Christmas holidays and the government confirmed on January 6 that they would remain closed for this month as the country remains under Level 5 restrictions.

Speaking to reporters today, Martin said that “there is no talk at this time in terms of relaxing or repealing the restrictions.”

He said that the restrictions will continue in February, but that this will be discussed by the cabinet subcommittee on Covid-19 on Monday and by the cabinet on Tuesday.

“We are seeing a continuation of the restrictions in February. I think you can assume that we will take stock of the situation every four weeks, ”he said.

Given the high level of community transmission that still exists, and is very high, I do not think that a significant relaxation of the restrictions can be expected at this particular time.

When asked if the level of restrictions he was referring to included school closings, the Taoiseach said it includes “all areas” but that schools are an essential service.

I don’t really want to get ahead of the Cabinet Committee meeting on Monday, but clearly the transmission levels in the community are very high, the focus at the moment and the attention of the Minister of Education is on special schools and special education, working with partners. in education to see if we can develop a proposal around the provision of special education.

Last week, the government had announced that an agreement had been reached to begin a gradual return to special education, but that plan was abandoned this week after unions said they opposed the measure due to fears raised by parents and staff.

Discussions are ongoing between the Department of Education and various stakeholders about the return of special education and the Taoiseach said tonight that was the priority.

I met with the Minister of Education and her officials this morning, with my officials, to take stock: they continue to work, the minister is there, with the partners in education and they all still share a goal, a combined goal, to make provisions. for children with special needs as soon as possible.

“That work is in progress. On the issue of schools in general, that issue will be discussed by the cabinet committee on Monday, and we will await the opinion of the ministers and other party leaders on the matter.